Fiske Library Program Offers Free Children’s Books

Claremont — A free traveling summer reading program will make a stop at Fiske Free Library in Claremont on July 8 at 3 p.m. Following the presentation, each child will be able to choose two new books to take home.

The program, sponsored by the nonprofit Children’s Literacy Foundation, provides storytelling and new books for children. It is designed to help combat the so-called “summer slide.”

“When school closes over the summer holiday, children’s reading comprehension can take a hit, especially for those children who have few or no books at home,” Duncan McDougall, the foundation’s executive director, said in a recent news release.

“The impact is often felt most by low-income children, as research indicates that nearly two-thirds of low-income families do not own any books at home for their children.”

Last summer, the Children’s Literacy Foundation provided more than 3,000 new books to about 1,500 children, more than 70 percent of whom were from low-income families. In the next two months, it will visit 44 different children’s summer programs in New Hampshire and Vermont.

“Incorporating reading into the summer schedule should be a priority for parents and other caregivers,” the Fiske Free Library said.

“Research shows that children who don’t read over the summer tend to lose literacy skills, while children who do read over the summer break actually improve their reading ability.” — Staff report